The Chronicle Media, a top-ranked media organization in Southwest Nigeria, is recognizing some prominent Nigerians as a way to applaud them for their significant impact and roles played in shaping the agricultural industry and boosting agricultural productivity over the years.
The celebration is holding at the upcoming Excellence in Agri-Business Lecture and Award ceremony, which is themed “Roots of Progress: Recognizing Excellence in Agribusiness and Rural Development.”
The event is slated for November 20, 2024, at Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a release by the Chief Executive Officer of Chronicle Media, Mr. Olaseeni Oyesusi, the awards are for celebrating those contributing to the development of agriculture in order to encourage them to do more, and at the same time spur others to follow suit.
He emphasised the importance of agriculture, saying that it is the way to go as far as food security is concerned in the Nigerian nation.
The Excellence in Agro-Business Lecture and Award event will feature a keynote address by Professor Olorunfemi Oladapo Ogundele, an eminent figure from the Agriculture and Food Policy Department at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) Ibadan.
Professor Ogundele will discuss the event’s theme and share insights on the role of agribusiness in promoting rural development and driving economic growth in Nigeria.
The event will be chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye.
The Special Guest of Honour will be the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
Governor Makinde, according to the release, is known as a strong advocate for agricultural reforms and innovation, which are key components of his administration’s efforts to improve the livelihood of farmers and rural communities.
Distinguished Nigerians to be honoured at the event include Dr. Debo Akande, Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Agribusiness; Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and Professor Taiwo Adewumi, a renowned Agricultural Engineer and Academic.
Others are Lawon Ajoke, a renowned snail farmer; Modupe Oyetoso, Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Smartfarm Ltd; Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa Christie, Chief Executive Officer, Farm Help Agribusiness Consult Limited; Mrs Olanike Ayo, CEO, Ayo Best and the Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Omidokun Oyekunle.
